I think that Tuesday was one of my most favourite days that I have ever had as a teacher…ever! An hour and a half science lesson turned into a full day lesson that combined so many elements of the curriculum. The children were tasked with making a beak, using just tweezers, some paper, a paper clip and some tape. This beak had to be able to pick up worms and then adapt to pick up seeds and then fish. It was a great lesson in evolution and adaptation. When the environment around you changes, it is essential to adapt in order to survive - just like Charles Darwin’s Survival of the Fittest. Some groups were more successful than others, but I guess that is what happens in evolution!
At the beginning of the week, whilst some of our class were at The Winter Gardens getting ready for the dance festival, we had a visitor in class to tell us all about all about Amnesty International. This fit in perfectly with our learning around the topic of justice in RE. The children learnt all about some of the issues around the world and heard some of the stories about people whose lives have differed as a result of their fight for justice. In English, we have started our new novel, Clockwork by Philip Pullman. We have only started to predict from the front and back cover and already we know that this is going to be an ‘edge of your seat’ book full of sinister motives. The children have really impressed me with their multiplication knowledge this week and have started to tackle multiplication head on!
Yesterday, we finally got to visit Samlesbury Hall to continue to explore the Tudors. What fun we had learning about the family who occupied the hall and the life and times of Henry VIII. The Tudors were a fascinating group of people who liked to share a tale or two. One of the highlights of Samlesbury Hall is hearing about all of the comings and goings of the ghostly presences that occupy the hall. Some of us really had to take a deep breath and listen hard, trying not to be worried about what we were being told. I cannot wait to see the children’s versions of The White Lady next week. I think they will be hauntingly spectacular. Have a look at some of our photos below and the video of us dancing in the great hall at Samlesbury.
Learning Awards
We could not choose anyone individually this week as it has been a great week in Year 6! From writing, to maths and multiplication, making beaks, dancing at the Winter Gardens, learning about Human Rights and to being curious at Samlesbury Hall - every single learning character has been ticked by every pupil this week! Well done everyone - you have smashed it!
Reminders
Advent Masses started today. Thank you to Ryan for ready and to Adam and Bethany for doing the offertory. It is important that Year 6 attend as many masses as possible to lead our school during the Advent Season.
Christmas Jumper and Silly Sock Day will be on Friday 13th December. This is a Year 5 initiative to really launch our fundraising for Brian House.
Girls’s growing up talk - Thursday 12th December. We will be combining the Year 5 & 6 girls to talk to them about how their body and minds will change during puberty. I will be leading this initial discussion. In the Summer term, the school nurse will be visiting the class to continue the discussion.
Christmas Concert - Tuesday 17th December 2pm and 6:30pm. Please join us to celebrate the miracle of Jesus’ birth at our Christmas Concert nights.
Christmas Party - Wednesday 18th December. Get the party clothes ready! The children can bring a packet of crisps or a chocolate bar in as part of their snack for the party and a drink.